How Long Does It Take State Farm to Settle Claims?

One of the most stressful elements after a car accident is dealing with the insurance company. After filing a claim with State Farm, you may feel anxious to receive your settlement funds. However, it can take several weeks, months, or longer to recover a reasonable settlement from State Farm.

Many factors impact the amount of time it takes to process a claim. If State Farm wrongfully delays processing your claim, you might have the chance to take legal action. Contact a car accident attorney at John Foy & Associates for help holding them accountable to their financial obligations.

Factors that Affect the Review Process 

Several factors can affect how long it takes State Farm to review your insurance claim. For some victims, the review process will be quick and completed within a few weeks. Others may need to wait three to six months before a decision is made. 

Unfortunately, it is common for insurers like State Farm to take advantage of claimants by delaying the processing of their claims. Generally, State Farm insurance adjusters may take longer to review a claim if the injury victim has not yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is partly because they may need to pay more on your claim if you have yet to recover fully.

It may take longer for insurance adjusters to review your claim if you are receiving ongoing mental health counseling or physical or occupational therapy or may require additional treatment for your injuries. Other reasons State Farm could take longer to process your claim include the following:

• Whether multiple parties share liability 
• How the accident occurred
• The amount of evidence submitted with your claim
• The amount of coverage the policyholder purchased

State Farm May Act in Bad Faith

It is common for insurance companies like State Farm to act in bad faith. However, when insurance companies handle your claim inappropriately, your car accident attorney can hold them accountable. 

State Farm and other insurers must process your claim promptly, so you can access the compensation and benefits you deserve. When they intentionally delay the processing of your claim or handle your claim negligently, you may have grounds for legal action against them.

Examples of insurers handling claims in bad faith include:

• Misrepresenting coverage types and limits
• Advising victims not to seek legal help or support
• Failing to reply to a claim in a timely manner
• Failing to notify the victim of damages after inspection
• Misguiding the policyholder regarding types and amount of coverage
• Misattributing vehicle damages 
• Refusing to make a reasonable and fair settlement offer

How to Get Your State Farm Claim Processed More Quickly

There are steps you can take to get your State Farm claim processed more quickly when you suspect the insurance adjuster handling your case is delaying your claim review. 

1. Contact Your Insurance Company 

First, take steps to contact the insurance company directly. When you call State Farm, all calls are recorded, so you will have evidence to support your efforts to prove the insurer is acting in bad faith. 

You can ask the adjuster handling your claim what you need to do to expedite the process. The insurer should provide the answers you need to get your claim reviewed more quickly. However, if the insurer cannot give you answers, this may signify that you are being taken advantage of during this challenging time in your life. 

2. Be Cooperative 

The State Farm insurance adjuster handling your claim will need to take a careful look at the details of your case to determine how much you should recover in your settlement. 

They must consider whether the vehicle needs repairs, the extent of the repairs, and the types of damages you experienced in their review. There will be multiple parties involved in this review process. You must be prepared to work with the repair shop fixing your vehicle, the liable party, and insurance adjusters to ensure the insurance company has access to the evidence and information they need to continue processing your claim.

Although you should never speak with the insurance company without your attorney present, you also have the option of directing State Farm insurance to your car accident attorney. This takes the pressure off you so State Farm can get the facts they need without putting your settlement at risk. The last thing you need is to accidentally make a statement to the insurance company that can be manipulated and used against you to reduce your payment.

3. Be Honest 

To expedite the processing of your car accident claim with State Farm, you must be honest in all your communications with them. Although you might think exaggerating the extent of your injuries could help you recover the compensation you need to cover your costs, it could have the opposite effect.

Medical professionals and vehicle repair shops see the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents daily. They understand the level of financial expenses, physical injuries, emotional trauma, anxiety, and stress that are involved. If you attempt to embellish the impact the car accident has had on your life, they will report their concerns to State Farm, who may then have an opportunity to deny you the compensation you would otherwise deserve.

Do not exaggerate anything, but be sure to include even seemingly minor details when you are discussing the impact of the accident with your car accident lawyer and healthcare providers. Your attorney and physicians can guide you on what is valid to include and what could be unnecessary. This way, you are not at an increased risk of State Farm stalling your insurance claim review.

Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today

State Farm may take several weeks or more to process your claim. However, with our car accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates working on your case, you can feel confident in our ability to make State Farm pay. 

We will also help you bring your car accident case to court should it become necessary. Please fill out our confidential contact form or call our office to find out what is next for your State Farm insurance claim.